Day 1 to Port Arthur Shelter. 17km
The night before I strap both my ankles with strapping tape to prevent any twisted ankles as just befor eth eLarapinta trail I trippe dover then had a swollen ankle the rest of the trip.
I get up early and pack up my tent. Its been under a tree and birds have conveniently used it as a toilet. It was a little windy overnight and a bit nervous for the next day meant a restless sleep.
I depart at 8.30am with both my brother and wife who star tthe walk with me on a windy day.
A flat walk along saltbush country across the bridge then along a dirt 4wheel drive road all the way. On the right are some houses or rural properties and on the left is the train line old, fence and the conservation park area.
I keep an eye out for other tracks like through the conservation area but continue on the road. In the wet it would be extremely boggy but now in the dry it was fine.
After 4km my brother and wife turn around and I'm alone for the next month.
I can see in the distance the road from Port Wakefield to Ardrossen/Kadina roads and cars and trucks going along. I know as I get closer to the cars and traffic then its a left turn along the road. At the junction there is a convenient seat where I stop for a drink. I quetion why the trail doesnt go through the conservation area as there are 2 trees there with wildlife on them while the walking trail I used saw only squished dead sleepy lizards.
There's a sort of trail along the road just in then i cross a fence to walk inland a bit over rough saltbush in the conservation area, away from the road that bends around to the left to Port Arthur.
The trail soon goes on a mowed grass trail all the way to Port Clinton lunch stop on a solid concrete table. A few people come past including one who has done a wheel bearing that makes and awful sound.
Its now daylight saving so even though I woke up at 6.00am it was really 7.00am.
From the lunch spot I see the stone building to head to and the hill above which I know has the shelter on top.
Cross the main road then up the dirt road to the old gaol and grain shed then up the road, left turn up and up to the Port Arthur Shelter.
I arrive about 2.30pm so set up the ground sheet as a protection between the poles and relax, eat, drink form the water tank/filtered and enjoy the views.
A few cars go back and forth but its really quiet away from the main road about 2 km-4km away down below.
Dinner behind the sheltered sport and as the wind dies down a little I set up the tent and collect rocks to keep the pegs in place. Clear skies but i'm in bed before it gets really dark.